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Many
of us are trying to begin our lives in a new way, this year. I'm trying
to continue losing weight by reducing portion sizes. I am a compulsive
overeater. This means I am an addict. Without the white washes we
usually use; big-boned, fluffy, and pleasingly plump or I'm not
overweight, I'm under-tall... I'm simply a morbidly obese middle-aged
man. I have been excessively overweight for at lease 37 years. After
marriage I adopted a life-style of gluttony. It wasn't till the mid
eighties that I would learn the reason for my obesity is an emotional
syndrome, classed as a compulsion to eat whenever under any form of
emotional or mental stress. For me, it doesn't matter if I'm happy sad
or depressed, eating brings comfort. I celebrate with food, placate
misery, sadness, or mourning with food and probably the only time I
don't feel like eating is when I'm very ill. I've lost twelve pounds in
a week, due to influenza. When I was hospitalized with a
life-threatening viral infection in my liver, I lost weight. Upon
returning home, I began to gain again as soon as I felt well enough to
cook.
It was during an exercise in a training session (counseling and
interviewing training), I learned of a few unresolved emotional issues
that were the primary triggers for this compulsion. This addiction is
similar in every way to any other substance abuse or addiction in
behavior. The only real difference is that compulsive overeating isn't
considered to be as socially unacceptable as are other addictions. But
make no mistake I am an addict. In order for me to combat this problem,
I first have to admit it to myself and it doesn't hurt to do so
publicly. In admitting it publicly, I'm taking a stronger stand against
it than if I continue to work alone. There are few similar programs
compulsive overeaters, without great expense. Most 'programs' require
membership fees, public 'weigh-ins', and the purchase of measured and
special prepared foods. I'm not against them, but I can't afford one.
Twelve step programs for other addictions have a history of success and
I recommend them. The reasons they work are a stress and recommendation
of reliance on support of others and in 'a higher power'. In other
words, supporting friends, family and a faith in God. The most important
step for any addiction is to admit it. Admitting the addiction is real
is taking ownership of it. Till this happens the addiction has life, and
it has power... or so it seems. I have a theory about the power we
assign to any form of evil. That is, evil doesn't exist, till we allow
it to. Just as darkness is really an absence of light, evil is the
absence of good. Addictions are inanimate. They have no life of their
own... till we give them life. Every time I reach for another biscuit or
second helping, I'm giving my compulsion to overeat life. I'd lost more
than thirty-six pounds before the Christmas and New Year holidays began.
I've gained at least eight pounds since. Beginning now, I'm beginning my
program of portion control anew. But first, I'm turning to God in
prayer, to ask for His help when I am weak. In other words, I’ll be
praying every hour.
Pray for Dan F. It was reported that he was
receiving a much needed heart and liver (I think) transplant yesterday.
I was told the operations began at 3:00 AM (EST). One had been completed
and the other begun when I learned of it yesterday evening. Dan has been
waiting a long time and has had at least one disappointment, learning
only after traveling a great distance, the organs were not a match. Pray
all goes well for Dan, who is a faithful servant of God and for his
family. (I'm awaiting further news and confirmation about Dan's
surgeries). Ed, who had an aneurysm in a lung, died this morning. Please
pray for His family and friends. Before my friends chastise me, I have a
sinus infection and would appreciate your prayers.
Father, I admit I am weak and need Your help
in all I do. Each of us have our own troubles, ills, conditions or
illnesses and need Your help. In my weakness, Your grace and power is
glorified. Give me what I need for today, as I fight each battle and to
work Your works in the world. In my weakness, equip me to do Your will
and be the hands and feet of Jesus to those I meet. I honor and glorify
Your name, praying Your kingdom to come and Your will be done in all the
earth as in heaven. Forgive my sins as I forgive other sinners. Lead me
away from the temptations I find hard to resist and keep the evil one
away. I lift these loved ones, cares and concerns: Dan F, Ed' family,
Steve, Virginia, Megan, Connie, Chris, Amber, Ginny, Susie & Miles
P, Kathy, Kristen - Chryl - Jim, Smokey, Carolyn's mom & family,
Nancy, John, James - Rockie - Stacie & family, Groeber family, Eldon
& Delores, Scott - Linda & children, Cheryl, Terry, Adam, Ruby,
Wilma, Maria - Lucas - Sierra, Keith, Donna, Cheryl, Alethea, Glenna,
Glenn, YWAM missionaries, Lettie - Gayla & Barry, Terry, Chuck, Ben,
Mary, Shawn & Heidi, June, Johnnie, Ken, Chris, Dale, James B,
Misty, Dianna, Carley, Victoria, Ralph - wife & son, Doug &
Debbie D, Brandelyn & Brock, Meg, Lisa & sister, John, Katy,
adoption of Grace, Don, Dean, Kera, Steve V, Tina, Seth, Larry C, Becky,
Larry S, John & Carolyn, Jason, Jay & Rick, Linda, Delores,
Gary, Melinda, Glen, Lisa, Nadia, David, Beulah, Aaron, John S, Ian,
Lynda, Thelma, Mike, Rosetta, Carolyn, Kaitlyn, Judy, Tim, Austin, Pam,
Lou, Larry, Pastor Dave, Margaret, Ruth, Rick, Carla & children,
Baby Kurt - his family, John, Rick, Stan, Lynn, Roger & family, Tom,
Valerie, Judy, Paul, Allen Michael, Irene's family, Lacey, Bobby,
Donald, Amy - her daughters & husband, Lucinda, Summer & family,
Steve, Matt - his 2 year old son & family, Richard, Ma Glenda,
Charlie, Amy, Karen, Tia, Ron, Patsy, Leola, Don, Jack, Wendy, Eula
& her family, Rob & family, Iris, Carrie - Brandon, Judy,
Freddy, Arianne, Corey, Robin & husband, Mark, Georgiana, Martha, T.
J., Jerry & Donna, Cubby, Bill, Ted, Silas, Julia, Cathy - Brandon
& Ed, Fran, Kris, Joe, Kristie, Mike, Pat, David, Dylan, John, Robin
& husband, Eric, Ray, Heather - Scott & family, Warren, Thelma,
Bergen, Kenny, Dawn, Jeff & Vicky, Myra, Frances, Jim, Ron, Phil,
Randi, Jack, Randy, Dick, Larry & Vicki, Pam, Dave, Archie, Gary,
Josh, Tim, Catherine, Lisa - Sam, Woody, Curt, Dustin, Larry, Burt,
Jack, Cline, Johnnie, John, Lynn, Norma, Olivia, Drew, Our loved ones in
need of salvation and guidance, all who are dependent, depressed or
grieving, Those fighting / working for freedom and safety from terror,
neglected / abused / missing children, God's servants and churches,
those looking for work, in rehab programs, our own families and everyone
we hold dear in our hearts. For Yours is the kingdom, the power and
glory forever.... Amen.
To the Chief Musician. For the sons of
Korah. A Song "For the Virgins".
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear when the earth changes, and when mountains
are slipping into the heart of the seas. Let its waters roar and foam;
let the mountains shake with the swelling of it. Selah. There is a
river, its channels gladden the city of God glad, the holy place of the
tabernacles of the Most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not
be moved; God shall help her at the turning of the morning. The nations
raged, the kingdoms were shaken; He uttered His voice, the earth melted.
Jehovah of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
Come, behold the works of Jehovah, who makes ruins on the earth; who
makes wars to cease to the ends of the earth; He breaks the bow, and
cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariots in the fire. Be still, and
know that I am God! I will be praised among the nations, I will be
praised in the earth. Jehovah of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is
our refuge. Selah. Psalm 46 Modern KJV
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